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About Total Return Price

The total return price allows investors to view the performance of a security inclusive of both price appreciation and dividends/distributions. YCharts offers 2 methods for calculating total return. Both methods assume that all dividends are reinvested and that no taxes were collected. Both methods also account for stock splits and stock dividends. The specific process used for each is outlined below:

Total Return Price:

The prices in this series are adjusted on dividend ex-date by reducing the price prior to the dividend payment by applying a dividend adjustment factor calculated as (1 - Value of Dividend/ Previous Day's Close Price).

Using this method the Total Return Price will always be equal to the Price after the most recent dividend but always lower than the Price prior to any dividend payments. By calculating the percentage change of the Total Return Price between any two points one can see the performance of the security including the re-invested dividends.

Total Return Price (Forward Adjusted):

The prices in this series are adjusted on dividend ex-date by increasing the price after the dividend payment by applying a dividend adjustment factor calculated as (1 + Value of Dividend/ Previous Day's Close Price).

Using this method the Total Return Price will always be higher than the Price after any dividend payment. By calculating the percentage change of the Total Return Price (Forward Adjusted) between any two points one can see the performance of the security including the re-invested dividends.

The "Total Return Price (Forward Adjusted)" method is used in all of YCharts Total Return calculations (Such as "1 Year Total Return"). This method provides the most accurate calculation and produces returns consistent with most other sources. Both methods have their merits and will produce very similar results. Learn More